My eldest son Charlie was diagnosed with autism at age 2, and it was the first time our family was thrown into this world of “spectrum disorders”, therapies, special diets and a changed life, forever. This past weekend, Charlie turned 7 years old.
Charlie started 1st grade last week at a private school (no longer in special ed!) and his bravery and incredible soul make me so proud of him every single day. As some of you know, there was a time when Charlie was non-verbal, had tantrums and screamed all day, didn’t relate to anyone or anything around him, and was completely off in another world.
We felt as though we had lost a child, we couldn’t take him anywhere, and with a newborn at home as well, I was completely isolated as I tried so hard to reach Charlie. To connect to him. Even if it was in his world, I never gave up just trying to be near his heart. He was the most severe spectrum kid of our three boys (even though they are all at different stages now), and he has come the farthest. As long as we keep up our horse and pony show, he does amazingly well. He is the poster child for early intervention for autism, and I look back at these years parenting him and I can’t believe all that we’ve done and how far we’ve come.
He is, simply put, a miracle child.
The same diet restrictions as his brother, the party this weekend included special pancakes, special bacon, and special brownies as the “cake”, with special gummy bears melted onto each piece. We had our family around us, we celebrated health and progress and thanked God for another perfect birthday.
For his birthday this year, Charlie really wanted a bike. A big boy bike. I have no idea when kids typically ride bikes (with no training wheels!) but I figured he could have a bike and work on learning how to ride over the course of the next few weeks. Charlie surprised us all by learning in about 20 minutes flat.
I took some video right after he had the bike thing down pat — I can’t even believe my eyes when I watch this video and think about how far this sweet boy has come. Him riding a bike, him SMILING non-stop. Boom goes my heart.
He used to never smile. He used to never see me.
Now he sees me.
How the world bursts at the seams with joy for this boy! I can’t watch this without crying. Happy birthday Char Char!
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
This makes me emotional. I love the hats. I want the same progress for Noah- we all have come so far, and still a lot to go. Charlie is such an amazing child!
Steph
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Awwww, loved it!
Happy Happy Birthday Charlie. You're such a handsome fella:)
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Love, love, love this post. Happy Birthday Charlie!!
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Ok I just cried watching it and I've never met him!
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And BOOM went my heart, too. What a BADASS riding his bike in twenty minutes. He is an amazing boy, surrounded by amazing people.
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I cired watching this…the first and the second time. Happy Birthday to your beautiful boy.
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Although i can't see the video while at work, I just know that it is amazing, as are your boys.
Big belated birthday hugs to both!
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Absolutely beautiful… loved it!
Happy Birthday CHARLIE!!!!
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Arianne… the 'thumbs up' said it perfectly. You are so admired and cherished for all that you do.
XOXO Auntie Melanie
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What a beautiful story … what beautiful boys! Happy Birthday Charlie!!
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I'm crying – and he's not even my kid! So happy for your Charlie…for your family.
P.S. Great job on that video. How did you create it?
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Oh, Ari, this is a beautiful post and the video is so touching. I give you and your hubs so much credit for your dedication to working through autism with your kids. This weekend, my stepson, Dylan went back to California after being with us for 6 weeks. As you know, he's 19 and is severely autistic and non-verbal. There is a tough road ahead of him (and for us) for what the future holds for his life and well being. I often look into his eyes and think about the 'what ifs' and wonder if we could have done more for him at an early age. I am so impressed and encouraged by your early intervention and dedication to 'beating' autism in your family. It is an amazing example of inspiration, hope and just not accepting the status quo for what 'can and cannot' be done in relation to curing autism. You're my hero. xoxo
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Thank you for sharing this – I really need the encouragement to keep going right now. My son is seven and just started first grade as well. He's in public school regular ed with a behavioral support person. He has come an incredibly long way as well but is still overwhelmed daily by all that is required of him socially and emotionally.
Right now it just looks like a long, long road and I am just plain worn out.
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Wow, what a tribute. Cheers to you too, mama!
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This brought a tear to my eye. I'm so happy for you that Charlie now smiles and sees you. Happy Birthday to him and congrats to you for being so strong.
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Wow! What a wonderful, wonderful video. Happy Birthday Charlie…keep smiling!
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I loved hearing you talk about your amazing sons in LA. You are strong & beautiful & you inspire me.
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i'm always behind on reading posts, you know that. this was amazing. now i'm tearing up.
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Great post. Happy belated Charlie!
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That was such a gorgeous, emotional yet celebratory video, good gracious I need a tissue! Happy belated birthday, big dude.
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What a beautiful video, what an incredible journey you all have taken. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with the rest of us. xoxo col
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Arianne
First introductions… for all practical purposes I am “Reuben's mom”… but you can call me Carrie:)
Jacob told me about your blog and a bit about your writing when I asked him what it was that you do. I was intrigued when Reuben came home from school and said, “Charlie's mom travels around the world! She brings him key chains from all over and he puts them on his backpack!” Wow, I had to know more.
I have to say that your blog is beautiful, honest, and inspiring. I would be doing a disservice to you and your mission if I neglected to connect with you on how your “Siete” post has inspired us! After watching Charlie ride his birthday bike, Reuben took his training wheels off (for the 4th time) and pushed his out to the yard. After twenty four hours of non stop, grassy pants, sleeves up, sweaty diligence he blazed a trail down the center of our road. He is now… a bike riding fool. As for me, I have learned a new song on the guitar. I had never heard of the song or artist featured in the post. I am a bit of a music nerd so I had to investigate. I key word searched “you make it real for me” and there he was… James Morrison. Ninety nine cents later I had a new song in my itunes library and am now strumming the song on my guitar. Discovering new music breathes life in me. Thank you.
Those fun little tidbits aside, I have to mention how I was most moved. Scoping out your blog also made aware of your boys' autism. Arianne, I had no idea. Your boys are so balanced, so sweet, they are so very refreshing to be around. I have spent time with them at karate, parties, school functions, and hear about Charlie endlessly through Reuben. Your dedication to them comes glowing through in their unique personalities. I am fascinated by your constant work and life commitment to nurturing your family. We too live as naturally as possible. We are vegetarians, organic when possible, avoid chemial body and household products, we are crazy lable readers!!!
I would love to talk with you more about your efforts and experiences. I feel like we have much in common, most importantly our love for our families who have been connected through the growing friendship Reuben and Charlie share.
Keep on keeping on.
Carrie
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Arianne,
Through Carrie (rueben's mom) I heard of this wonderful, tearing jerking, inspirational post. My Mason adores both Charlie and Jamie, and your hard work and dedication shines through their smiles every day. I was thrilled, as was Mason, to see Charlie at school almost 2 years ago, and Jamie last year, after seeing their brillance at Karate for some time. As Mamas we feel our hard work and sweat go completely unnoticed. I have to say that is so not true for your boys and their autism. They are true rockstars (with some badass cowboy boots) with a Rock Star Mama. We all could learn so much from you and your love for those fascinating boys. I love all your approachs and am itching, like Carrie, to pick your brain to pieces. We too are Label watchers, so I always learn so much from others who have similar mind sets. Hope to meet this miracle mama some day but until then thanks for sharing your wins, your loses and your boys with the world!!
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And my heart just melted a little.
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This is so incredible!
Love to you all.
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arianne!! i'm so behind on blogs and everything since my trip, but your sister pointed me here as i'm trying to make a video like this right now to introduce our new son to everyone. you did an AMAZING job on the video….but SO much more than that.
i am totally crying at this beautiful journey you're on. what a precious boy and hope-filled story. loved this. thank you for sharing!!
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“How the world bursts at the seams with joy for this boy! I can’t watch this without crying. “
I don't think I could watch it again without crying again. Or read your words again without crying again. I'm so beyond happy for you and Charlie. He is such a soulful child, you can see it in his eyes.
Though my oldest wasn't on the spectrum, he had many of the same issues that children do. I didn't hear I love you, or get hugs and kisses for awhile. A long while. Just like you, early intervention helped him. He is totally “normal” as far as the state is concerned, but just enough quirk to be super special in my eyes.
Happy belated birthday to Charlie.
Love you girl!
Nell
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Glad to have found your blog through 5:16 Gals. I have three kids, a daughter and two boys. My oldest son has a severe speech disorder. The youngest also has speech issues (but not as severe.) It is a constant challenge to understand what they are saying.
“I never gave up just trying to be near his heart.” I needed to read this today. Thank you for sharing this on your blog.
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